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WestCoast Racing confirm entry with Morbidelli and Kangas

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WestCoast Racing has confirmed it will race full-time in the TCR Europe series, fielding a pair of Volkswagen Golf GTI TCRs for Gianni Morbidelli and Olli Kangas.

The Swedish team entered the final round of the 2018 series with three cars, one for 2017 BTCC drivers’ champion Ashley Sutton, and two for the siblings Andreas and Jessica Backman, with Sutton showing good pace.

The team ran for all three years of the TCR International Series, with Gianni Morbidelli driving for the team throughout, and will reacquaint himself with the team after a partial season in the World Touring Car Cup last year for Mulsanne Racing.

“I’m happy to return to WestCoast Racing,” said Morbidelli. “I spent three years with them and have great memories. It’s a big pleasure to get to drive the Golf GTI in such a competitive championship. I’m grateful to Dick Jönsson Wigroth and James Nixon for the opportunity they have given me, it’s always a pleasure to work with people I respect and consider to be good friends.”

Morbidelli will be joined by Finnish driver Olli Kangas, who has mostly driven for LMS Racing, including a season in the STCC last year with the team in a Cupra TCR.

Team principal Dick Jönsson Wigroth said:
“I am very happy that Morbidelli returns to us. He is more motivated than ever and we enjoy working with him both on and off the track. I am also excited to welcome Kangas, we have followed him over the past couple of years and believe he can deliver a few surprises. TCR Europe is one of the most competitive TCR championships around and we are looking forward to take on the competition.”

“After a couple of seasons in TCR Scandinavia I’m delighted to join WestCoast Racing and TCR Europe,” said Kangas.

“The tracks are very different in this championship, but they will be a lot of fun to learn. I’m excited to work together with such a knowledgeable team and I hope to learn quickly from my new teammate Gianni.”